Calluna Events combines unique, creative and fresh ideas with amazing organizational skills and an exceptional attention to detail to create your perfect wedding or event. We’ve established an extensive network of venues and professional vendors to fit every style and budget. We offer innovative full service planning, wedding day coordination & hourly consulting.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Wow! I'm not quite sure that I want to leave Beaver Creek tomorrow and head back to Boulder. Can't I just stay here all winter until wedding season starts? I'm writing my blog from our lovely suite at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, where we've been for the past two nights. Tomorrow we head back to Boulder and I can honestly say that the past two days have been truly wonderful.

We were invited to the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in Edwards to tour the property, see their wedding venues and spend two nights. As I mentioned in my prior blog, I invited my husband Brandon to come along for a mini-break. Of course he had no problem skiing all day while I worked. And as luck would have it, our dear friends from Boulder, Lindsay & Paul Kirby were staying at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch at the same time.

To maximize my time I decided to set up a few other meetings with properties I had connections with. We drove up early on Wednesday morning and I planned to drop Brandon off at the Ritz so that he could meet up with the Kirby's to ski. I decided to email my dear colleague, Angela Coleman at the Ritz-Carlton Denver to see if she suggested I meet with the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. Angela introduced me to RollyHepinstall, the Catering Sales Manager.

I ended up meeting with Rolly when I dropped Brandon off to ski. We started our meeting in the great room, just off the main entrance. While we chatted I had the most incredible view of the ski mountain. Steps from where we were sitting was lift access to the mountain at Bachelor Gulch, as well as Beaver Creek mountain. In the summer this backdrop creates an incredible view for a wedding ceremony. In fact, there are several places on the property to hold outdoor ceremonies. Rolly was friendly and inviting and after our chat gave me the grand tour of the property. It is stunning! The ballroom, the cocktail space, the guest rooms....everything exudes elegance, luxury and comfort. I noticed that the service was impeccable, even in the short time I was there. I had a lovely time speaking with Rolly and getting to know the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch and what sets them apart from other properties. I am thrilled to add the Ritz to my preferred vendor list and I'm looking forward to working with them...hopefully in the near future.

After my meeting with Rolly I headed to the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera to meet with Kirsten Goodman, the Sales Manager who had invited me up. Cordillera is approximately 20 minutes west of Beaver Creek past the town of Edwards. The property is nestled back in the mountains and is perched on a spectacular ridge. I checked in and was shown to our room, a lovely suite with stunning views of the surrounding mountains! Kirsten met me and gave me a tour of the property, concentrating on wedding amenities. One of the perks of the Cordillera is that it's a fairly small property. With 56 rooms, all of your guests could stay in one place during your wedding weekend. Depending on your guest count and needs there are several places to hold an outdoor ceremony as well as several sites for your reception. The food & beverage minimums are extremely reasonable. I am very confident that Kirsten and I will be working a wedding together at the Cordillera in the very near future.

After my meeting with Kirsten I headed to the Spa at Cordillera (the on-site Spa) for a little pampering. I treated myself to an incredible facial and found out that they offer facials specifically for brides. They also offer amenities such as brunches by the pool for the bride & bridesmaids while they are getting ready for the big day!

That afternoon I rounded out my day of meetings with a visit with Tommy Geary the Group Coordinator/Wedding Sales Manager for the Vail Beaver Creek Resort Properties. Tommy met me at the newest hotel in the the RockResorts group, the Osprey at Beaver Creek. I had met Tommy at a recent Denver ISES meeting and he had invited me to come up to take a look at the brand new property that opened on December 19, 2008! The Osprey, formerly the Inn at Beaver Creek, is modern and chic. It's stylish decor and stellar service sets it apart from other hotels in Beaver Creek. And, its proximity to the slopes in the winter and the Beaver Creek Chapel make it a must pick for a wedding spot any time of the year. The Osprey would be an excellent choice for a rehearsal dinner, brunch or smaller wedding of up to 75 guests.

Today we were lucky enough to spend the whole day on the mountain. We headed back to the Ritz-Carlton and met up with the Kirby's. We spent the day skiing throughout both the Bachelor Gulch and Beaver Creek sides of the mountain. The sun was shining, the snow was great...if only the temperatures were a little bit warmer. It was a great mini-break for Calluna Events. Not only did we connect with wonderful new contacts for our future brides, we got a little fun in as well! All I can say is I can't wait to come back!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

There are times in life when the work you do comes with special perks! This week is one of those times. We were invited to the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in Edwards to tour the property, see their wedding venues and stay the night! So I twisted my husband Brandon's arm, and asked if he wanted to join me for a little trip to the mountains full of wedding sites and skiing! Of course he's on board for the skiing, not the working, but it should be super fun!

Not only am I going to see the Lodge & Spa while I'm there I'm going to take a look at the brand new property in Beaver Creek, the Osprey as well as meet with the Catering Manager at the Ritz Carlton - Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek. We also have plans to have dinner at the Larkspur Restaurant in Vail where Calluna Events coordinated a wedding last September. Stay tuned for some exciting updates for Beaver Creek weddings! and maybe some fun on the slopes!

Because Calluna Events is located in Boulder, CO, we have had quite a few brides over the years that have wanted to do “Green” or Eco-friendly weddings. Now more than ever brides are trying to be environmentally aware as they plan their big day! Some of the things we have helped with are:

Regina Mountjoy from Recherche Photography and I partnered with The Bridal Collection in Denver, Colorado. My wedding, which took place on September 20, 2008, is featured this month on their website. Check it out here and then click on our photo to read more.

Friday, January 23, 2009

What's Hot in Weddings on the Web from InStyle WeddingsJanuary 23, 2009 at 12:00 PMA new president and another week of amazing wedding inspiration from around the web. Here's what we found:Once Wed showed us an adorable idea that one bride came up with. In order to entertain guests between the ceremony and reception, she created a word search on a chalkboard. All the words in the puzzle had special significance to the wedding and the couple's relationship.We also loved the vintage candy jars we found on Victoria With Roses. Put your names or wedding monogram on the cap and they'd make cute (and delicious!) favors.We can't be the only ones who love Blair Waldorf's headbands on Gossip Girl. Jennifer Behr, who's created some of them, has a new collection out and there are a few that would be perfect for brides. What Junebug Loves has pictures of the new arrivals.Check out the gorgeous Melissa Sweet gowns that Classic Bride showed on her blog this week. The first and second ones are both romantic and beautiful, while the third one is more modern and funky.Finally, Style Me Pretty had two great weddings this week. This outdoor wedding in Vermont's soft orange color palette is perfect for summer, and we loved the dramatic dress and décor at this rooftop reception.—Jessica DerschowitzImage courtesy of Jennifer Behr

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Ever wanted to do a nude photo shoot? Maybe, maybe not? Right now a trend with brides is gifting a fine art nude/boudoir session as a pre-wedding surprise for your fiance or as a one year anniversary gift (I guess the 1st year is traditionally a 'paper gift'). Brides Colorado just published a story about boudoir sessions being HOT right now.

a gift from Water Music, a company based in L.A. A wonderful bath truffle and bath salt

Other items you can purchase:

"The little black book" with 20 of their favorite photos

A custom calendar

Folio prints

Metallic prints

Custom framing and more.

Erin at ELC Photography says her goal is to create amazing images, for your fiance but also yourself. Boudoir photography celebrates being a woman and embracing your curves, your sensuality and your beauty. We discuss in depth beforehand your desires and outcome for your photos. The session can be at your home, the studio or another location (hotels are very popular).

Every session is completely unique, because every woman has different ideas. My approach is to feel pampered during your session and to have a wonderful time. And the truth is: your fiance will LOVE the photos.

Imagine him opening up a small album of your photos, delivered to him the morning of your wedding! He might just blush....

Friday, January 16, 2009

Two German children - aged five and six - have been stopped by police from eloping to Africa to tie the knot in the sun, reports say.

The budding lovebirds, identified as Mika and Anna-Lena, packed bathing costumes, sunglasses and a lilo and headed for the airport. They even had the presence of mind to invite along an official witness - Anna-Lena's seven-year-old sister. The three got as far as Hanover railway station before police intervened.The young couple were "very much in love" and had decided to get married in Africa "where it is warm", police spokesman HolgerJureczko told the AFP news agency.

The idea for the getaway wedding was born as the children's families celebrated New Year's eve together and Mika regaled the two girls with stories of a recent holiday to Italy. The following morning, as their parents slept, the intrepid trio walked 1km (0.6 miles) to the local tram station at Langenhagen, where they hopped aboard a tram for Hanover central station.But the group aroused the suspicion of a guard as they waited for a train to the airport, and police were called in. Officers persuaded the children they would not get far without tickets and money, but consoled them with a free tour of the police station, where they were shortly picked up by relieved parents. Although any marriage plans have been put on hold for now, police did not altogether rule out the possibility of an African wedding."They can still put their plan into action at a later date," AFP quoted the spokesman as saying.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Yesterday I had a lovely time with my January 24th bride while she was having her hair & make up trial. I spent about two hours with Jessica Shinyeda from The Face Lab and Cheryl Fisk from Zumo Hair Salon in Boulder as they transformed my bride into a stunning beauty! What is a hair & make-up trial you ask?

If you are a bride who is planning to have your hair & make up professionally done for your wedding, here are a few tips for when to plan to book stylists.

Some brides have a hair stylist that they see on a regular basis and sometimes their regular stylist will do bridal hair. However, frequently this is an area they don't specialize in. So most brides are starting from scratch when finding hair stylists and makeup artists for their wedding day. At Calluna Events we recommend you start looking for hair & make up artists 4-6 months prior to your wedding if possible since many book up quickly. Here's a quick timeline for when to do and schedule all things hair & make up!

4-6 months prior: Begin to look into hair & make up stylists for your wedding.If you want to grow your hair out for your wedding start now

4 months prior: book your hair & make up stylists

3 months prior: think about how you would like your hair & make up to look. Clip photos and ideas from magazines and online to bring with you to your trial run. Now is the time to experiment with coloring, highlights etc.

2 months prior: book hair & make up run throughs with your stylists. At this time talk through the day of scheduling with both artists (i.e., arrival time, start time, number of bridesmaids and mothers and length of time for each). Work backwards from when you want to be completely ready. Allow yourself enough time in the schedule and give yourself a buffer for getting into your dress.

6 weeks: decide on a hairstyle and make sure it will go with your veil, tiara and other accessories.Schedule a final hair cut.

4 weeks prior: attend your trial runs with your stylists. Bring examples of how you want your hair & make up to look as well as your veil and any accessories that you'd like in your hair.

We are planning the Boulder Community Hospital's Black Tie Fundraiser, An Evening in San Remo, at the St. Julien Hotel and Spa for May 16, 2009. The fundraiser is the 5th annual black tie event for the hospital and we are fortunate to be involved with this event that benefits the Hospitals Cancer Center, and specifically Prostate Cancer.

We are also working on a 35th birthday party for a lucky lady, a rehearsal dinner for one of our wedding clients and a Bat Mitzvah. What a wonderfully diverse event schedule!